Flourishing and positive childhood experiences in children and adolescents: An analysis of a nationally representative sample.

Abstract

Introduction: Positive childhood experiences (PCEs) are supportive, safe, and nurturing early experiences that support healthy psychological development (Sousa et al., 2025). Flourishing is a measure of optimal well-being that encompasses meaning and engagement, positive relationships, social competence, and positive emotional health (Bethell, Jones, et al., 2019). Research on the relationship between PCEs and flourishing is limited, especially across demographic groups.

Method: Using the National Survey of Children's Health, we examined the association between PCEs and flourishing among children ages 6-17 across different sociodemographic groups.

Results: Results showed a clear, consistent relationship between PCEs and flourishing. Children who experienced moderate PCEs were 2.37 times as likely to flourish, and those with high PCEs were 6.06 times as likely to flourish, compared with children with low PCEs. This relationship remained significant after accounting for sociodemographic factors, demonstrating the powerful connection between PCEs and flourishing. However, several sociodemographic factors were significantly associated with odds of flourishing, with some groups of children being less likely to flourish than others. Compared with non-Hispanic White children, non-Hispanic Black children and non-Hispanic multiracial children were .74 and .82 times as likely to flourish. Children from non-English speaking households were .80 times as likely to flourish, and girls were .82 times as likely to flourish as boys.

Discussion: These results highlight the complex relationship among PCEs and flourishing and the differences among sociodemographic groups, highlighting the need for further research and policy and practice interventions for those less likely to flourish. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).